SKATEBOARD fanatics in Buckley are risking life and limb in a bid to experience the thrills and spills of the sport.

One parent has accused civic leaders of dragging their feet over plans for a purpose-built skateboard park in the town, where youngsters could enjoy the activity in safety.

Chris Woodhouse, of Powell Road in Buckley, said some teenagers were building their own facilities, which were dangerous.

'One lad I know broke his collar bone only last week on one of these DIY obstacle courses,' he said.

'I can't understand councillors taking so long to provide a proper skateboard park, where we know our children would be safe.'

Buckley Town Council has set aside thousands of pounds for purpose-built facilities, but, in more than two years, has not yet been able to find a suitable site.

The Elfed High School campus is one under consideration, favoured by police as it is near the town centre.

Mr Woodhouse, whose son Daniel, 14, is an avid BMX biker and skateboarder, said: 'I f ind it very disappointing that councillors have built up our children's hopes, but so far not managed to deliver on their promise.

'There are skateboarding facilities in Mold, but that means letting teenagers walk down to the town across a very busy roundabout.

'What we need is a well-designed skate-board park, so that children don't go building their own and put themselves in danger.'

Town mayor John Thornton said that, though the project had been on the agenda for three years, it was important to find the right site and ensure the final choice did not cause any inconvenience to people living nearby.

'We understand the frustration youngsters are feeling, and the Elfed High School campus is one of the options,' he said.

'If anyone can suggest a site, then by all means get in touch with the town council. I'm hoping the skateboard park will be up and running before the end of my term of office.'

Former mayor Cllr Dennis Hutchinson said it was unfair to criticise the town council, which had done everything possible to find a site.

'We are obviously committed to providing a place for kids to skateboard as we have set aside a lot of money in the council budget for the project,' he said.

'The Elfed governors will be meeting shortly to discuss the possible siting of facilities on the campus, so we will have to wait and see what they come up with.'